I've trained at a couple different gyms throughout the LA area and found Jiujitsu League when I moved to Long Beach in 2018. I visited two other gyms in the area before deciding to continue my training at Jiujitsu League. I already had experience with jiujitsu and was not stranger to the art or the gym culture. I was immediately welcomed by the owners Kevin and Haley and all the regulars in the gym. You will find people here that are willing to help you start your jiujitsu journey or continue to grow and integrate new aspects into your game. You will also find that the owners and other instructors are very laid back and comfortable teaching/coaching all students, not just those who are already "good" at jiujitsu. You will not find people here who are trying to destroy you on the mats in an effort to boost their ego. You can learn at your own pace and the availability of multiple classes throughout the day/week will help you find the time and space that suits you best. I can't say enough good things about this gym and the people. Feel free to just come by and watch a class to get a feel for the environment. Good luck in your search. read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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The gym culture here is overwhelmingly positive. The coaches and long time members here are extremely friendly, encouraging, and care about your personal development as much as your safety. Haley and Kevin are excellent instructors who go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome. I joined BJJ because the idea of ever having to defend myself was scary to me. When I came to Jiu Jitsu League, I knew I was going to be absolutely horrible at it--but I also knew I would find great fulfillment if I stayed consistent, persevered through the physical and mental challenges, and learned this practical life skill and martial art that is objectively challenging. I've been learning BJJ here for two years now and I'm hooked. It has been challenging especially at the start. But seeing myself progress has been more fun and fulfilling than I had ever previously imagined--and I couldn't have asked for a better gym culture, coaches, or training partners to help me along the way. If any of what I said relates to you, maybe this is your sign to sign up! read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

If you're a woman looking to train Jiu Jitsu in an environment that is both empowering *and* challenging, the Jiu Jitsu League is the right place. Haley and Kevin run a gym that embodies a culture of respect and support between all participants. Also, there's no sense of competition between women; it's more about lifting each other up and making each other stronger. Men and women alike, there are no egos at this gym. Everyone will give you a tough training and the instruction is both technical and innovative. The workout is like no other and you're learning valuable skills at the same time. read more

Most JiuJitsu gyms get 5-star ratings by default, but let me tell you why I chose Jiu-Jitsu League and could never look back: -GREAT DEALS. Not only is JJL's standard rate on-par if not better than other schools, they have payment plans and special deals that make their prices very hard to beat. Also, no exploitative contracts, and the owners are very understanding and willing to work with you. -Great VALUE. On top of great rates, JJL has TONS of classes and variety. Early morning, late evening, beginners, advanced, wrestling, judo, you name it! Lots of different instructors and teaching styles too for every kind of learner. -COMMUNITY. A lot of JiuJitsu gyms fall into extremes of either feeling cult-like or members developing egos against each other. JJL's culture is very well balanced, where everyone is friendly, accommodating, but not overbearing. Makes for great training no matter what your style is. There's tons to love about JiuJitsu League, much more than what fits in a yelp review. If this review doesn't persuade you, come on down! I promise this gym will make you love to train and learn just like it did for me read more

Just show up. This is a common thing you hear if you come to this gym. You will learn something new, and you will be challenged. This gym has such a great vibe, and everyone is a nerd. No BS; you can wear whatever gear you want. If you want to wear basic stuff or love all the hype beast gear, all are welcome. For a very physical sport, everyone is so welcoming. I've been going to this gym now for two years, and now I am a blue belt. I can honestly say I love jiu-jitsu because of this gym. read more

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Sadly, I don't come here anymore, but I am leaving a review. We came for several months and took a break and planned to attend again but we ended up moving to Riverside county. Jiu-Jitsu League is the best! My daughter came here as a 7 year old to learn self defense among other things. Coach Juan is such an amazing, patient and kind, fun teacher. So many good things to say about him. Everyone is helpful and friendly. It's a very clean and organized place. Haley the owner and her husband are very nice and respectful and helpful. I am sad we can't come here anymore as it was such a great experience and I wanted to make sure I left my review of how good this place is for anyone thinking of attending to know it's awesome here at the Jiu-Jitsu League. Thank you. read more

This has to be one of the best gyms I have ever trained at! Haley and Kevin are truly amazing coaches and people! They want you to succeed and help you every step of the way. From the Gi classes, Nogi classes, and fundamentals class. You will have all the tools to improve your jiu jitsu game and stay active. I trained with them for a year and two months before moving states and wish I could stay in Long Beach just for this gym! If you are looking for a gym, Jiu Jitsu League is the one for you. read more

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My son started BJJ about two years ago and wanted me to join as well. I was interested, but it felt intimidating, especially with my back and knee injuries, so I didn't think it was a good idea at the time. Fast forward to now--I did join, and while I do get injured occasionally, I love learning the art. I even recruited my son's best friend, and they joined too. It's such a fun place for kids to learn a great martial art and a wonderful way for parents to bond with their children over a shared experience. read more

If you're looking for a place to train Bjj look no farther. I've been coming here for about two years and love it ! I have trained at many other gyms and I can honestly say it's the best I've been too! They have beginner and advanced classes gi and no gi serval times day so it's easy to find a time that works. Kevin and Hailey are very knowledgeable and make class fun but competitive. Everyone there is friendly and there's no big egos at all. If you're a beginner or someone who is looking to get back into it like I was I would highly recommend Ju Jitsu League. read more

This is by far the best jiu jitsu gym in the area. I had the pleasure of starting my jiu jitsu journey here, and I wouldn't change a thing. The owners are super knowledgeable, helpful, and just great people all around. The same can be said for everyone who trains there as well. Every person I've rolled with is there with the mindset to improve and help you improve. Thank you Jiu Jitsu League! read more

I love everything about this gym. Having never trained, I was initially pretty intimidated to sign up but after a year and some change of being a member, I can't stress enough how welcoming everyone has been (especially all the instructors). Lots of gi/no gi classes at different levels, so there's something for everyone. It's also a great place if you're just looking to get more active. I lost ~15 pounds within the first 6 months. Sign up! read more

I just recently joined. I started with the basics class which is held every evening on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Really good class for BJJ beginners as it's not too intimidating. Today, I did the regular all levels class where you learn techniques, drill them with a partner, then end with sparring. Kevin and Haley are the coach owners of the gym. Super friendly and chill surfer people so if you're looking for a gym that's not too aggro and just want to learn without feeling intimidated I would recommend this place. All the people there are also the same style - chill and welcoming. Bonus: They don't require you to buy their gym branded gi, belt, rash guards, etc.... like other gyms, which adds a lot more cost to the already expensive monthly membership. They also don't require you to sign a long term contract. AND they're not as expensive as the other well known schools so less barriers to entry. read more

An awesome dojo to be to begin your BJJ training :) I've been searching for BJJ place in Long Beach for sometime now. I am glad I finally found the one! The ambiance is super friendly and positive; there are no egotistic people around. Everyone is trying to help out each other when some (talking about me lol) are confused with a technique. The owners are unbelievably chill; they even have surfer status paraphernalia around the establishment.The instructors are technical, which is great when it comes to learning a complicated martial arts like BJJ. On top of that, the main instructor, Kevin Howell trained at the San Diego Atos (the #1 school of BJJ), which is impressive. Overall, I can tell they will hone my skills in the right direction and they really care about their students' success. Cannot wait to train again :) PS: When they clap to get ready to learn a new move, I am always late for a sec or 2 haha PSS: White belt dilemma :) read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - From the wise words of Optimus Prime, "Let's Roll" - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

A great friendly and challenging atmosphere to train! I highly recommend checking them out whether you are looking for a drop in or to train long term, you will not be disappointed! read more

Had the chance to train here while visiting Long Beach and had an awesome time. A really friendly bunch of people and such a chill vibe. Got welcomed with open arms and was able to spar with a range of belts, all of which were extremely technical and challenging but kept the training fun and ego-free. Big, clean, open mat space was a huge plus also. Would highly recommend getting in for an open mat or classes if you're in the area (or even if you're not) thanks Haley, Kevin, and the team for a great experience. read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Friendliest crew - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

I joined Jiu Jitsu league about a month ago. I was nervous to show up but everyone is so nice it's hard to be intimidated. This place is awesome. I generally go to the basic class for now and the instructor Miguel is amazing. read more

one of long beaches hidden gems..gyms.... Jim's....lol. honestly the instruction here is 2nd to none. the head instructor kevin Howell is an encyclopedia of bjj techniques and applications. He has trained under and learned from some of the best who have ever done it. I'm shocked of the number of bjj practitioners that don't know about this amazing spot. the school is littered with beast of all sizes. lots of fun. they have a decent amount of competitors and a lot bjj lifers like me. I've trained at a few different places and can tell you that this school is amazing. Kevin howell is a wealth of knowledge in all old school techniques and keeps up on all the new stuff as well. if you love bjj and want to stop in, bjj visitors are always welcome. read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Had a swimming pool convention to attend and wanted to make sure I got a ROLL in in-between the conference days. This gym held class at 545. Early enough to get a roll in and make the 8am seminar. Super conveniently timed! This was for me one of the biggest selling point. Everyone was super friendly and most definitely got a sweat going. For anyone in the LBC I would highly recommend reaching out to the league for your Jiu-Jitsu needs. Drop in fees where fair. My wife actually attended the Sunday open mat before coming home. Thank you guys for having us. Looking forward to another ROLL next year when we're in town for the next conference. read more

I was in town for business and after having to take two weeks off Jiu-Jitsu already I was not going to skip out again, really easy to just drop in when you can't reach your usual academy/gym, professors are good. Really puts in perspective how different every professor teaches, but the foundations are always the same. 5/5 would roll again. read more

This review is actually a long time coming. I tried this gym out about almost 2 years ago and thought the world of it. I did not end up training here but that was due to a factor out of my control which I will get into in a minute. I have moved around a bit through my adult life and have always done BJJ but every time I move I have to find a new BJJ school which means I have seen it all. Jiu-Jitsu league is by far the best place I have tried that I never ended up training at. If you know anything about jiu-jitsu schools some instructors could be a little intimidating specially if you're from another gym. For those of you that are new to the game BJJ can be a world full of out dated traditions and politics. The head instructor Kevin gave me no bad vibes at all. In fact he asked me about my game and recommended ways to improve it based on my preferences. Most instructors would not have taken the time to do that for a student that is not their own. I work in education as a teacher by day so some ways I view the art of teaching as fairly universal, specially when teaching things of a physical nature. I like coaches to show me what, why and how then give me an opportunity to practice it with no resistance and with resistance and finally opportunity to apply it. So Kevin showed us a back take that day for BJJ nerds out there it was a (Reverse DLR/kiss of the dragon). Kevin told us what to do and why we do it, he then let us drill it with a partner with no resistance. After that we did a live drill starting in the position where the partner can resist and finally we did live sparring to apply our knowledge as whole. From an educators point of view it was the perfect lesson. Now for those of you that already have jiu-jitsu experience this gym has a chill teacher that does not seem to carry any out dated traditions such calling you a creonte if you are coming from another gym or won't get mad at you for rolling with a friend that trains BJJ at another school in your own garage (yes some instructors specially from Brazil are that strict). They also let you wear Gi color of your choice which is important to me, the gym has an hour each day dedicated to drilling which is super important for improvement and on top of that an open mat that you can address any weaknesses in your game. In terms of why I did not sign up its pretty simple. It was really important for me to have my wife train because I believe jiu-jitsu is the best art for a women to use should she have to defend herself due to the fact that BJJ is based mostly on leverage and not strength. My wife had conditions that she would only train under a women black belt in an all women's class and even though Jiu-jitsu league has a class like that it is only on one day and I thought that would not be enough for her to learn. Fast forward in time now my wife loves jiu-jitsu and has no problem training with guys at all but I think had I not made that sacrifice she never would have tried it. Don't get me wrong I'm fine with the gym we are currently at but jiu-jitsu league was my first choice and if you have no hang ups preventing you from joining you should do so. I had to leave a review because my experience was really good so when I found a place I thought I had to leave them at least a review if I couldn't join. I just put it off for some time. read more

My daughter started Jiu-Jitsu about three months ago and absolutely loves it!! Coach Juan is sooooo patient and good with the young kids! Things are starting to click with my daughter and she's learning so much! We love it here! read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - First stripe and sooooo proud!! - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Let me tell you about what kind of people the owners of Jiu Jitsu League are. Only a month or two of joining, I decided to fundraise for a 5k run for nonprofit research for Parkinson's disease. Of all my friends and family, Hayley and Kevin were the FIRST to donate money to my fundraiser. Totally unexpected and appreciated. I honestly thought I was just going to be a number like any typical gym membership. They and all the members have been super supportive with me inside and outside of Jiu Jitsu. Let me tell you about what kind of people I meet at the Jiu Jitsu League. I live in a neighborhood with terrible parking conditions. I took an Uber to class one night. After one of basic classes, one of the members who I JUST met during that same class offered me a ride home. I could have been a serial killer or lived in Canada, but that member offered me a ride in his car without even knowing me. Everyone at the gym is supportive and friendly. I was able to make friends very fast. There hasn't been anyone I didn't like or am afraid of. The new location has plenty of parking, larger mat space, a filtered water fountain. There is a minimalist feel to the new gym. Less is more. There is a Starbucks, Chipotle, BWW, Ralphs grocery store, Ulta, AMC and locate shops that share the same plaza as the gym. The gym schedule has changed and so has mine. In addition to their schedule, they now offer 9AM drilling classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There is even Open Mat on Sundays too! The gym also uses a brand new $300 Dyson vacuum cleaner to clean the mats. I bet there is no other gym in the universe that has invested in a Dyson to clean their gym. There is positive karma and good vibes glowing out of this place. You don't meet great, genuine, and kind people like this everyday. I will defiantly stay as long as I can here. I am extremely thankful to be part of this community. read more

I just started training at Jiu Jitsu League for a few months. So far I have had an amazing experience. This is my first introduction to BJJ. Kevin, the head instructor, and his wife Haley have been very welcoming and fun to train with. The same goes for all of the other students at J2L. Everyone has been very friendly, welcoming and helpful. I have been training with a lot of upper belts and the experienced students have been really cool, patient with me, helping me with tips and details and working with me on my endurance and pace. So far so good, but I think if you want a really quality academy with very relaxed and humble staff and students and a very professional atmosphere, J2L would be a great place to start. Looking forward to continuing my training. Such a good workout too! read more

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The Jiu Jitsu league is the way to go when learning the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu. Joining the academy is probably one of the best choices I've ever made. Not only is training Jiu Jitsu great for self defense but it's a great way to get, or stay in shape. Classes at J2L are split up into Basics or Advanced. Both classes begin with warm ups and drills, and usually focuses on one or two techniques. We have positional sparring, and usually end the class with regular sparring rounds. Throughout the week we focus on those specific techniques, it's variations and how to defend. Not only is training beneficial in various ways but you'd also be joining an amazing supportive community at J2L. I've met some of the radist people here and have made some great friends. This only makes it easier for me to want to continue my Jiu Jitsu journey. It's a great way to challenge yourself, and an amazing environment to train in. I would absolutely recommend the Jiu Jitsu League to anyone. read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - All eyes on Professor Kevin. - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

I'm a local Long Beach native and traveled to multiple gyms to roll with friends....From Dan Hendersons in Temecula, Tiki Ghoshens in HB, Titos in HB and even UFC gyms. Out of the dozen schools I've experienced and been involved in, I decided to stay local and train with the Jiu Jitsu League. I felt welcomed from the day I met the owners Kevin Howell and his wife Haley. Easy going and serious is how I can explain them. Easy to talk to and hang out with, while serious about Jiu Jitsu and their league. The most organized and on time performance based lessons I've seen. From the beginner class that Vincent teaches to the advanced classes Kevin teaches, I've felt in place with my skills. People travel from the Atos affiliation to join the Jiu Jitsu league. I've met great friends and will continue to enjoy this great organization. I need to talk about Chris "Horse" who is the kids professor, and has multiple World Champions.... This guy is amazing. Maybe seems quiet, but not at all. He cares for the kids and creates champions. My 2 boys 8 and 10 just started this week and Horse has started one on one sessions to teach basics before the class, stayed after class to go over more instructions and technique. It's hard to write down the emotions of appreciation I have for him let alone the whole team... Every employee is an example of Jiu Jitsu League and they hold it well!!! I challenge anyone to find such a tight nit group with the level of skills from basic to advanced as good as The Jitsu League. I've been around, it is not easy. Come experience what I have and you will understand. read more

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I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I'll say that BJJ is awesome and this is the place to get your training. There's so much skill and talent from the coaches and training partners, that you'll be both guided and pushed on every part of your journey. If you want to train hard and push yourself to compete, there's people that will help you but if you're here to workout, have fun and learn how to protect yourself, you will be encouraged as well. This is one sport, where the gym is made by it's people and you will understand that once you decide to start training. If you are interested in BJJ, you owe it to yourself to come check this gym out. read more

Dropped in during a visit to Long Beach and had a blast. Kevin and Haley could not have been more welcoming. Adam taught the no gi class and was very informative and helpful, plus an all around good dude. The class was filled with great training partners who were all really friendly when they weren't trying to submit you. Actually, they were friendly even when they were trying to submit me. read more

I've been training at the Jiu Jitsu league since late 2014. I live in Pomona and I drive 50 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday to train here. I've come to love this gym because of the great training partners I've come across. Everyone has their unique techniques and skills to the art, and it makes training that much more enjoyable. I've learned to really work on different holes on my game and there are a lot of guys who are willing to drill and work on the specifics you need. The people are amazing as well. I've met some of my best friends through this gym and that's why I really love this place. Good spot to know everyone will be there to have your back. read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

I originally found this academy while looking for a jiu-jitsu school that focused on a modern and competition-style of jiu-jitsu. I had recently picked up a copy of Andre Galvao's Drill To Win book and was impressed with his achievements and training regimin. I wanted to learn *that* BJJ. Previously I had trained Judo, "traditional" BJJ, and a more MMA styled JJ. Through grappling tournaments it was becoming clear to me that my technique was loose and dated. BJJ had evolved and further improved over the past 10 years and I wanted to learn that style. I didn't want to be caught off guard any more. So, I began researching schools within an hour drive from my home. Lo and behold, Andre's co-author, Kevin Howell, had his very own school within 10 minutes of my home (complete with a "Drill to Win" class - say wha?). I decided I had to try the school out, so I made an appointment. Kevin allowed me to sit in on a number classes, with no sales pressure. I was initially struck at how clean and organized the gym felt. Secondly, I noticed how easy going and approachable Kevin was. He has a playful demeanor. Another thing that stood out to me was that the week's curriculum was posted just before the mats. Wait, you mean the classes are thought out? Planned even? Color me impressed. When it came time to get down to brass tax, his sales pitch was honest, up-front, and fair. I've been training there now for a year and a half or so. *** So fast forward to today *** There are three things that REALLY stand out about the Jiu-Jitsu League to me when compared to other schools. 1. Kevin keeps an open door, regularly letting students from other places cross-train at the J2L. Kevin himself visits other schools and has relationships with some of the best grapplers in the world (through his authoring career). All that experience comes back to his school and is shared with his students.This brings in more experience, talent, and technique to the J2L. 2. Kevin and his wife, Haley, are committed to the success of their school, students, and technique. They actively work to improve each. They also take a very personal and active interest in their student's goals and try to help them manifest them. 3. The students have respect for their fellow students. While this is true of most schools to a degree, I have never seen anyone "grind-out" any one else. Typically the higher the belt, the lighter they roll at J2L. Ego's are definitely in check here. I think it is a great environment for learning and have recommended it to many. In fact, my older brother and nephew also train here (their first try at BJJ). read more

I took my first private lesson and basic class this week, as part of their 30 Day FREE Trial. Color me impressed! Kevin and his wife Hayley are terrific! I've never done ANY martial arts so I was a bit nervous at first. Well, that all went out the window as soon as we got started. Kevin and Hayley are so great at making you feel super comfortable -- and capable -- from the start. It was refreshing to learn that Kevin puts so much thought into his classes. He sets goals for his students and posts a schedule of what will be taught each week. It is obvious that he truly wants the best for each student and works hard to help them achieve their goals. Kevin's main focus is on mastering the art, rather than competition. But if competition is what you are looking for, this is the place to go. Just tell them a few months before you want to compete, and they'll get you ready. After all, they're home of the 2013 Blue Belt No-Gi Absolute World Champion, Tara White. (Check her out; she's amazing.) The initial private lesson was a great way to be introduced to Kevin's instruction, the dojo, and their philosophy. And there is NO SALES PRESSURE whatsoever! They truly want their students to want to be there on their own accord, and not just because they were able to hard-sell someone into signing up. This, in itself, was quite impressive. I went to my first basic class that same evening. The students were all incredibly welcoming, helpful, and encouraging. It is evident that Kevin, Hayley, and the instructors (Ziggy is awesome!) encourage and maintain such a fun and warm environment. It felt like I was amongst family, rather than just at an academy. The dojo is very clean and spacious. I was happy to see that hygiene is stressed in the dojo and amongst the students. Respect is a must - for the dojo, the instructors, the students, and yourself. And fun is a key factor here. You will DEFINITELY get a work-out, learn some awesome moves, and make good friends at Jiu Jitsu League. Don't miss the chance to check them out. read more

As a teacher, woman, and beginner, I highly recommend the Jiu-Jitsu League. Kevin and Haley are awesome. After the Sandy Hook incident they started a promotion for teachers. Teachers can train in the basic self defense classes for free. It shows how much they care about their community and the safety of kids. I finally decided to try a couple of classes last year but I got really busy with school and stopped. I recently started again and it was like coming back to open arms (more like guards - pun intended). The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I definitely felt welcomed by both staff and students. They sometimes provide time before or after class for students to introduce themselves and share a little. For me, it's great to know about the people your rolling with and makes for a good experience. The instructors are really great at breaking down the moves and giving a good amount of practice/drilling time. I'm never worried about asking too many questions or asking to repeat the moves. My favorite thing about the Jiu-Jitsu League is the fact they allow time at the end of class to spar. Even though I am a beginner, it still gives me an opportunity to try some of the things that I've learned from previous classes as well as integrate what I just learned. The atmosphere is laid back but everyone one comes to train hard. When I'm paired up with more advance students they are usually focusing on technique while still providing me with opportunities to learn. I used to be shy and even felt bad about being a beginner because I wasn't a good sparing partner but Haley and all that I've rolled with assure me that it's all about helping everyone grow so that ultimately we'll be better partners. There is also a class just for the ladies on Fridays!!! Since I've been back I find it hard to miss any practice. The mats, dressing rooms, and bathrooms are clean. Plus, there's a mezzanine where parents or friends can watch. Overall a very clean, friendly, knowledgeable environment for growth in the art. read more

After 6 months in, I decided to write a review. I figure this would be a much more fair assessment of my experience at J2L. I can still say I am addicted. I can still say that they keep it interesting and keep me motivated, I can say that I have met all my goals which i set out, 6 months ago. However - I can say that i need to get back in and train more. I'm getting distracted with so many things in my life (wifey/Home Buying/Career) - its hard to push this "hobby" in. One thing I learned from jiujitsu that follows life is that you will get caught up in a sweep of things, and be thrown off balance. It is your ability to get back up, re-situate, and continue to press forward, as we can not go back. OSS! read more

Was on vacation and looking for a place to train these guys took me in show me some moves rolled around a couple times and even took some pictures definitely recommend going read more

Jiu-Jitsu League - Martial Arts Near Me - Long Beach, California

I came across Jiu Jitsu League (J2L) while searching for a new gym closer to my new area. I was driving to Irvine to trains before and with gas prices, well you know the rest. I started training at J2L since January 2012, My first lesson was with Kevin, in which he did a private fit test and he gauged where I was in terms of skill and cardio levels. When I did my first official class with the rest of the students it was great! A lot of cardio and rolling. Kevin is a great teacher and his classes are all structured to help you get a solid grasp of jiu jitsu. You will definitely get a good work out. Also everyone was very welcoming and made you feel at home. There are no egos here. You come to train and grow and family. It is definitely a great training environment! read more

Upon visiting a friend in Long Beach I HAD to stop by this gym. Kevin Howell is an excellent instructor who speaks a language everyone can understand. Being a professional teacher, and an author of some of the best books on the sport - Kevin's curriculum is top notch. Technical drills, helpful instruction, and friendly students. Also, Kevin runs the gym with respect, and at the end of class everyone introduced themselves and mentioned another outside interest. .I haven't seen this before at a gym but it was a great way to break the ice and meet training partners. If you come here, you will have friends soon! I also attended a Beginners class with Mike Hofer who was also a really friendly and technical teacher. He had a lot of patience and broke down each move step by step to the class. I think he did especially well coming around and adjusting noobies techniques. Really easy to get along with and learn from and none of the new guys were overtly aggressive or egotistical (which I can appreciate being 130lbs). I will definitely be back to visit the crew - I had a blast and was challenged throughout. Easily one of the best gyms I have experienced. Thanks guys! read more

I've been to a couple classes at this gym and here are my thoughts. I've taken both the beginner and advanced class and both are good. You can learn your fundamentals here with other beginners or if you are a blue or purple it's a good place to grow because they have a good number of blue and purple belts, and a couple browns. Also two of their students won Abu Dhabi trials (one blue one purple) at absolute and both get the free trip and whatnot. I've only met one person ever who has done that so the fact that they have two in one school is pretty cool. They typically seem to focus more in general on drills and positional rolling which I think is important. I think there were like 4-5 women at the last class I went to. Having more than one or two women in a class is very rare so this is likely a good option for women. Also their kids program seems pretty strong. They probably have like twenty some kids in the classes. I've seen kids classes at various gyms and usually their (there?) aren't quite as many kids, and although they typically are having fun the technique is expectedly not very good. I was watching these little kids roll around at this gym and was very impressed on the technical knowledge they possessed at such a young age, and of course they were having fun which is always important in the kids class. So overall a good well rounded school. read more

Where do I start... There are so many great things about Jiu Jitsu League! It is hard not to ramble on about my awesome year long experience here. I trained back in the late 90's, got busy, and tried a few other places over the tears but never made the time to get back into BJJ until last year. Kevin "the professor" Howell is a great instructor. Being an educator greatly affects his ability to keep your attention and teach technique in a way to make the lessons learned stick. Kevin also is a well know author/coauthor of several top notch BJJ books. His ability to break down the subtle points of basic techniques makes learning interesting for all levels. These subtleties also help break/ prevent bad habits. All of Kevin's leadership and personal skills are reflected in the great bunch of people that choose to call this place home. The group that trains here are very welcoming. There is a great friendly family atmosphere happening here. But don't be fooled by the laid back atmosphere, there are not many slouches here. Good hard rolls with no hard feelings or tough guys. No one looking to cream the new guy. Many of the upper belts play to your level and allow you to learn and apply learned lessons. It really is a great vibe. Over all J2L is the place to train. I could not be more happy with my choice to train here. Could not be more sad to leave. (I moved up to LA) but will still do my best to make open mat Saturdays. Do yourself a favor give them a try... And if your not hooked you will be back after train at other places. read more

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Having trained for quite some time in multiple martial arts, and at different schools, The JiuJitsu League is a rare school to find. Here's why: INSTRUCTION/STAFF: The instructor Kevin Howell, has been in the Jiu-Jitsu game for quite some time. A very down to earth and nice person, and you will instantly feel that when you first meet him. The level of teaching, quite frankly, is top notch. It is very rare to find instruction at such a high level. His detail in going over techniques, concepts, drilling, and application will have you "up" your BJJ in just a week of training. I've never seen an instructor who has been so efficient with time, and organization in maximizing every minute to make sure each student gets the most out of training. He is also goal oriented, in that he wants every student to have one, and to be able to reach them. STUDENTS/ENVIRONMENT/FACILITY: Anyone who's has been to other jiu-jitsu/grappling schools with previous experience knows that the general protocol is the top students grinding a forearem or shoulder in your face and if you're lucky a crank here and there. I didn't experience that at the Jiu-Jitsu League. I got my butt handed to me and tapped several times without being roughed up. The students are very welcoming and friendly. It is an environment that anyone is able to experience, at any level. It is also located in a very nice area in Signal Hill. Lots of mat space, and an area upstairs where family/friends could sit on couches or bean bags to watch training. It is also the perfect place to get in shape, because you always see people running around Signal Hill. OVERALL: This is an amazing place to train at. Whether youre still developing or just beginning, The Jiu-Jitsu league has a place for you. I would highly recommend this school to anybody. read more

J2L!!! Love this place!! From the people to the instruction you won't find a better place to start or continue your jiu jitsu journey. I've been here for two years now and i feel as if my skill set has grown more than it ever has. I've also seen beginners walk through the doors and their rate of improvement is insane!!! Where was this place when I was a white belt!!! From being a world renowned author on Brazilian jiu-jitsu to a highly skilled practitioner himself, Kevin Howell has a library's worth of knowledge for his students. Oh... and you WILL get in shape. The warm ups alone will get you ;) Come on over!!! read more

Love this place and as I stated before, everyone is gantastic. Class is awesome here. The drills and repetitious rolling is wonderful... keep up the good work! Sorry I got sick while out there, but plan to visit again. Great place for anyone to train Jiu-Jitsu! Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more